NASA and Lockheed Martin are shaking things up when it comes to the Orion spacecraft. They’re now looking at the idea of launching Orion on different rockets instead of sticking solely with the Space Launch System (SLS). This move marks a big change from what they originally planned, mainly because of the various issues they’ve faced with the SLS program. Exploring commercial rockets could really change the game for NASA’s deep-space missions.
Background on Orion’s Initial Launch Plans
Traditionally, NASA has hooked Orion closely to the SLS. This bond was seen as a core part of their strategy to explore deep space, highlighted by key milestones like the contract awards in 2014 and the first uncrewed flight of Orion in 2014’s Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1). These events showed just how dedicated NASA was to launching Orion using SLS, with a long-term aim focused on missions to the Moon and beyond.
Lockheed Martin has been tasked with developing Orion since 2006, making choices to ensure it pairs perfectly with the SLS in terms of structure and propulsion. They built Orion’s specs around SLS, and with budget investments over 20 billion dollars dedicated to SLS development through 2025, there was an expectation that Orion would always launch on SLS for lunar missions.
The Challenges Leading Toward Alternatives
However, the hurdles have been immense. The SLS program has dealt with major delays and costs have ballooned to around $23 billion by 2025. Events like the postponement of the Artemis I mission, initially supposed to take off in 2020 and only launching in 2022, have forced NASA to reconsider. In light of the financial pressures, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has pushed for exploring more flexible solutions, signalling the importance of looking into other options.
On top of that, Orion’s abort system and heat shield were custom-built for the SLS, meaning massive tweaks could potentially hit $500 million to switch to other rockets. While these technical and budget limitations are daunting, they also bring forth the prospects of improved flexibility and savings.
Possible Rocket Alternatives
One standout candidate for launching Orion could be SpaceX’s Starship. This rocket had successful trials in 2025 and boasts a whopping payload capacity of over 100 metric tons going to low Earth orbit. NASA has already sunk $2.9 billion into a lunar variant of Starship, showing they’re pretty keen on what SpaceX can bring to the table in terms of future missions.
Then there’s Blue Origin’s New Glenn, set for its maiden flight at Cape Canaveral towards the end of 2025. This rocket could manage Orion’s 26 metric tons and even carry loads of up to 45 metric tons to low Earth orbit, making it another viable contender for getting Orion into space. New Glenn’s arrival could widen NASA’s launch options significantly, making it easier to pursue exploration objectives.
Moreover, United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur has been operational since 2024 and it opens up a medium-lift option that could be combined with upper stages for Orion missions. It comes backed by NASA’s $5.6 billion investment in national security launches, making Vulcan a strong alternative as well. All these new vehicles could potentially help NASA diversify its launch strategy while achieving its Artemis goals more smoothly.
Impact on NASA’s Artemis Program
Switching to different rockets could ramp up the timelines for the Artemis program. We might see crewed lunar landings happening as early as 2027 instead of 2028 due to the constraints posed by SLS. Lockheed Martin is already looking into ways to adapt for this, which could mean more efficient plans for upcoming missions. Besides, cost savings could be huge—think dropping launch costs from SLS’s $4 billion to below $1 billion with commercial launches—all while maintaining Orion’s role in the planned missions through 2035.
However, pivoting to new rockets certainly carries its risks. The certification processes for these new configurations, including the FAA reviews, are expected to take 18-24 months starting in 2026, given their critical role in ensuring safety and reliability. It might mean some delays, but balancing that risk with the potential benefits will be key for NASA and its partners.
Lockheed Martin’s Approach and Future Steps
Officials from Lockheed Martin are ready to consider new approaches for Orion’s launch setup. Rob Binnie, a VP at the company, mentioned their openness to evolving Orion to meet NASA’s needs, stressing on adaptability in this changing landscape. Lockheed’s large backlog of space contracts—around $93 billion—showcases their position in the industry and their readiness to support NASA’s space endeavors.
NASA has set aside $100 million to fund studies through 2026 that include wind tunnel tests and simulations analyzing Orion on rockets outside of SLS. These studies aim at figuring out how well Orion can perform with other launch options, which would provide the essential data for future strategies. Potential partnerships with commercial firms could enrich Lockheed Martin’s capacity to share tech and improve Orion’s avionics configurations.
Overall, this exploration into different launch possibilities signals a major shift in NASA’s strategy toward deep-space ventures. By considering options outside the SLS program, NASA and Lockheed Martin may be opening doors to innovative opportunities that could enhance the Artemis initiative, keeping human space exploration progressing.
